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Bachelor's Degree in Interpreting

category: ASL English Interpreting, 

 

Many interpreting programs for American Sign Language in the United States only offer an Associate's degree in the discipline. At Western Oregon University, a student can earn a Bachelor's degree to be an ASL interpreter for signers in an English-speaking environment. Many students may wish to an employed ASL user, interpreting for deaf and hard-of-hearing people or other members of Deaf culture. Western Oregon is a prestigious school with an award-winning program for ASL English interpreter training. The program is highly recognized by the Deaf and interpreting communities, and it is quality education for those interested in interpreting. This program recently won an international award of excellence in American sign language and English interpreting.


Often, an Associate's degree program does not offer the depth of education that students want. In fact, students frequently transfer into Western Oregon's program after acquiring their Associate's. A four-year degree offers more time to learn sign language and the strategies of the profession.


Western Oregon University's program offers the option of either a BA or BS degree, so the student is able to choose their set of required courses and credits. Being a four-year program, the interpreting program at Western Oregon offers quality required curriculum as well as a variety of electives for the discipline. Since ASL/English interpreters are used in many situations, the school offers training in areas where the interpreter would benefit from specialized knowledge.


While the degree is acquired over the course of four years, the program-specific classes begin in the first term of the student's junior year. Until that time, the student takes sign language classes, general education courses, and the two program prerequisites. S/he applies for program admission in the winter of sophomore year. When s/he is accepted to the program, the student becomes a part of the close-knit community made up of interpreting majors on Western Oregon's campus.

For those signing students that do not wish to become interpreters. Western Oregon University also offers a BA or BS in American Sign Language studies. This degree offers the future options of many sign language jobs and allows students to study ASL and Deaf culture without aspiring to be an interpreter.


For both the ASL/English interpreting program and the ASL studies program, Western Oregon provides higher education and higher credentials. An interpreter who can present a Bachelor's degree leaves an impression with potential employers. Whether it is a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts, the four-year degree gives a student better education and a better sense of accomplishment. The potential results of a Bachelor's degree are highly beneficial.


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